Did You Know?

The Salvation Army Crest

Crest

The symbolism of The Salvation Army crest is as follows:

  • The round figure 'the sun' represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit.
  • The cross in the centre represents the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • The letter 'S' stands for Salvation.
  • The swords represent the salvation war.
  • The seven shots represent the truths of the gospel.
  • The crown represents the crown of glory, which God will give to all his soldiers who are faithful to the end.

The original design for the Crest was apparently submitted to Headquarters by Captain William Ebdon in 1878. The idea was accepted and by March 1879 the crest was printed on the official Salvation Army letterhead.

Source: The Salvation Army International Heritage Centre, 2009.

Come and visit the Salvation Army Archives & Museum

Please come and see us on weekdays between 9am - 10am and 10:30am to noon. Afternoons may be arranged by appointment.

The Salvation Army Archives Department
204 Cuba Street
Wellington, 6011
Phone: + 64 4 382 0732
Email: Archives

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Boost our historical collection

The Salvation Army Heritage and Museum welcomes information and donations of Salvation Army memorabilia. 

We welcome: photographs, slides, videos and films; letters, books and oral histories; records, cassettes and digital recordings; books and manuscripts; uniforms and badges; plus records from Salvation Army corps and centres.